Abstract
Textile-form Weaving, in which the fabric and form are created simultaneously on the loom, can support zero-waste, on-demand production of textile-based products. However, textile researchers and designers are limited in their ability to explore the full potential of Textile-form Weaving because most looms do not allow for all variables to be manipulated. In this paper, we present WarpForm, an accessible add-on for a standard hand-operated loom that opens up new possibilities for weavers. Specifically, through enabling the variable consumption of individual warp threads, WarpForm allows weavers to create 3D and non-rectangular forms directly on the loom. Through a description of the add-on, the weaving process, woven samples, and a demonstrator, this paper aims to provide textile researchers and designers with accessible knowledge and tools to uncover further potential in Textile-form Weaving, moving the textile industry towards more sustainable approaches.
Keywords
Textile-form Weaving; Fabrication tools; Loom add-on; Zero-waste; Variable Warp Consumption
DOI
10.21606/TI-2026.146
Citation
Klop, S., Carazo, M., Voorwinden, M.,and McQuillan, H.(2026) WarpForm: An Accessible Loom Add-On for Weaving Non-Rectangular Textile-forms, in Jane Scott, Sophie Skach, and Rebecca Stewart (eds.), Textile Intersections 2026, 17-18 September 2026, London, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/TI-2026.146
Conference Track
researchpapers
Included in
WarpForm: An Accessible Loom Add-On for Weaving Non-Rectangular Textile-forms
Textile-form Weaving, in which the fabric and form are created simultaneously on the loom, can support zero-waste, on-demand production of textile-based products. However, textile researchers and designers are limited in their ability to explore the full potential of Textile-form Weaving because most looms do not allow for all variables to be manipulated. In this paper, we present WarpForm, an accessible add-on for a standard hand-operated loom that opens up new possibilities for weavers. Specifically, through enabling the variable consumption of individual warp threads, WarpForm allows weavers to create 3D and non-rectangular forms directly on the loom. Through a description of the add-on, the weaving process, woven samples, and a demonstrator, this paper aims to provide textile researchers and designers with accessible knowledge and tools to uncover further potential in Textile-form Weaving, moving the textile industry towards more sustainable approaches.